California Grill LOUNGE questions

[just looking]

I have been trying to get a California Grill ADR and have only been able to find 9:35 PM or later which doesn't really work for us because we have an early flight the next day. I have read about getting sushi, drinks, appetizers, etc. in the bar and lounge area which doesn't take reservations. But at least one older thread here said you may not be able to park at the Contemporary or even take the elevator up if you don't have an ADR and the lounge is crowded. So my questions are:
1. We'll be there midweek and not during a crowded holiday time; if we take our chances without an ADR will we be able to park at the Contemporary and take the elevator to the lounge?
2. If we keep the ADR for 9:35 PM, can we arrive early and eat in the lounge when a table or bar spot is open - and then skip the restaurant? Will we be charged as a no-show even if we spent $$ on food and drinks in the lounge?

 

[Hopefully]

I have been trying to get a California Grill ADR and have only been able to find 9:35 PM or later which doesn't really work for us because we have an early flight the next day. I have read about getting sushi, drinks, appetizers, etc. in the bar and lounge area which doesn't take reservations. But at least one older thread here said you may not be able to park at the Contemporary or even take the elevator up if you don't have an ADR and the lounge is crowded. So my questions are:
1. We'll be there midweek and not during a crowded holiday time; if we take our chances without an ADR will we be able to park at the Contemporary and take the elevator to the lounge?
2. If we keep the ADR for 9:35 PM, can we arrive early and eat in the lounge when a table or bar spot is open - and then skip the restaurant? Will we be charged as a no-show even if we spent $$ on food and drinks in the lounge?

1. Maybe, maybe not. Reports you have read are accurate. Midweek, non Holiday does not mean it is not busy at CG.
2. Probably not. But see #1. You may not be allowed up and then you will likely be charged. Tables won’t open. Bar spots might.
It is a very small lounge area.
If there were tables you could make an ADR

 

[holden]

There aren’t many seats at the bar. When we went for dinner there was one seat open. We snagged it and I sat while we waited for our table.

 

[TeresaWen]

There aren’t many seats at the bar. When we went for dinner there was one seat open. We snagged it and I sat while we waited for our table.

This last trip was the first time we were unable to get up to the lounge. We tried twice. No luck. We were disappointed as we really enjoy the wine e list and the sushi. I don't like taking up an ADR just for this but I will next trip. Too many have discovered the delightful atmosphere of the lounge.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

You can get anything from the menu at the bar. Not just appetizers.

And yes they will turn you away at the second floor desk if it's crowded up there.

If the Contemporary is cracking down on non-guest parking I would expect that they won't let you in unless you actually have an ADR. absolutely no guarantees on whether they will let you park if you don't have one.

If you want to keep the ADR, then talk to the folks at the second floor desk. Tell them you have an ADR for later but what you'd really like to do is go to the lounge. Ask if you can do that and if they will fix your ADR so you aren't counted as a no show. No guarantees but it's entirely possible.

 

[gharter]

The lounge area is first come, first serve. While not huge, there are tables by the seating. I have seen many people eat their entire meal in the lounge. You can order off the same menu.

 

[kastoney]

If you want to do the lounge, I'd definitely plan on getting there close to open to help ensure you get a spot. I'd also suggest taking a bus to MK and walking over or just uber'ing to ensure you don't have any parking issues.